11th Catholic diocese files for bankruptcy over sexual abuse cases

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Mont., has agreed to pay $15 million to victims of clergy sexual abuse, and becomes the 11th U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy protection to deal with its numerous abuse claims and lawsuits.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee was the eighth Catholic diocese to seek Chapter 11 protection when it filed in January 2011.

Helena appears unusual, if not unique, among the bankrupt dioceses in that it hammered out its settlement agreement with victim-survivors before filing on Friday.

According to the diocese, it will pay $15 million to 362 victims and an place an unspecified amount into a future-claims fund. The bulk of that will be funded by insurance. The diocese itself would contribute $2.5 million toward claims, legal fees and other costs.

The diocese also agreed to make a public apology, make public the names of those priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse and provide counseling for victims.

About Annysa Johnson

Annysa Johnson is an award-winning reporter covering faith and spirituality in southeastern Wisconsin.